JP2002531244A - Integrated packaging applicator - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) Abstract: A small, shallow pouch-shaped container (3) for dispensable components (2A, 2B) is provided with a pair of assembled outwards located opposite the container outlet end. It includes a pivotable flap (5, 6) and forms a packaging applicator (1). When the fingers are squeezed on both sides (16, 18) of the container, the stored components (2A, 2B) are squeezed out through the outlet onto the applicator flaps (5, 6). Using the container (3) portion as a finger grip, the flaps (5, 6) can be moved around the desired surface to spread the dispensed components (2A, 2B). In some embodiments, squeezing the sides (16, 18) of the container breaks the closure seal (19) and opens the outlet. In another embodiment, the outlet is opened (57) by pulling apart (19 ') the flap (5, 6) and peeling (35), or the outlet is opened by extending the bend of the flap (5, 6). I will In a preferred embodiment, the combination of the container (3) and the applicator (1) is formed by a pair of substantially identically structured flexible foil sheets (21, 22), which are superimposed on each other, Partially joined together to define both container (3) and applicator (1).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a hand-held dispensing and dispensing device, particularly for example, food spices, preservatives,
A flexible packaging container for storing and spreading moderately small amounts of ingredients on various surfaces by hand, such as paints, ointments and creams, cosmetic creams for cosmetics, and technical products such as brighteners, waxes, adhesives, and paints. About.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Moderately small amounts of food spices and toppings, such as ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, etc., are nowadays in small sized, relatively flat flexible containers or packages formed from plastic-coated or foil-laminated thin films. Often sold, in which case the user tears and squeezes the package and spices on the sandwich or other food item. After use, the open package is conveniently discarded in a waste basket with all the remnants of the packaged ingredients. Another widely known product available for such flat packs is the familiar "handy wipe" paper towel.
The flexible foil package contains folded paper towels moistened with a hand washing fluid. The user tears open the foil, removes and spreads the paper towel, wipes his hands with a towel, and cleans his hands after eating. Of course, many other examples of such miniaturized packaging come to mind. Micro-sized packaging is convenient for storage and tearing,
Provides better sterilization and less spills and waste.

[0003] One particular example of the foregoing noted by the applicant is found in the patent literature, which states, "Dispensing Container for a Liquid o.
U.S.A. assigned to Heijenga on May 1, 1990 entitled Paste-Like Substance (dispensing container for liquid or pasty substances).
S. 492137, which describes such a container and refers to a number of earlier patents describing various structures. The Heijenga container is a relatively flat pack, the side walls of which include a preformed flexible blister defining a storage area for dispensable components and a preformed outlet tube, all of which are used by the user to open the outlet tube. In a relatively flat package with tearing strips. Subsequent compression of the blister with a finger causes the components to be squeezed out of the outlet tube.

[0004] The basic elements for micro-sized packaging described above include a pair of flexible foil sheets that are stacked on top of each other and heat sealed together around an edge to define a liquid-tight internal cavity. Such micro-sized flat packages and their construction and fabrication details are well known to those skilled in the packaging arts.

[0005] A common theme recognized for the packages described above is that these packages dispense the entrapped ingredient and, once dispensed, do not spread it over the surface. Readers who smudged their fingers with mustard when trying to spread the mustard distributed from such packaging onto a sandwich and improperly using used packaging instead of reaching for a knife to apply the mustard You are well aware of this sloppy result.

[0006] However, it is beneficial to integrate the functions of the container and applicator into a single unit, a dispensing applicator, as found in other endeavors using much larger size containers. This combination is convenient for both containers for storing applicable components such as wallpaper adhesive and hand-held applicators integrated into a single unit for applying dispensed adhesive to surfaces. To provide. The wallpaper adhesive is thus placed in a store display shelf for sale, and the purchaser can apply the adhesive with a built-in applicator to keep hands clean. Dispensing applicators of the type described above are large and typically hold more than 6 ounces of ingredients.

[0007] U.S.A. assigned on Oct. 11, 1994. S. D-351338 and 199
U.S.A. transferred on November 20, 2006 S. Borde shown in 5577851
As an r-Ease coating, Roman Adhesives, Ins. The applicant's earlier invention marketed by is an example. This combination of container and applicator uses a sponge-type roller applicator attached to the end of a cylindrical container. Once the cover is opened and the adhesive is removed from the container, the applicator is reattached to the end of the container over this opening. By holding the container with one hand and squeezing the sides, the adhesive is squeezed out of the outlet of the container and into the sponge applicator. Here, the hand-held container part serves as a handle for the applicator, which allows the user to roll the sponge applicator over the surface and spread the adhesive thereon. The user can apply the adhesive to a small area without having to contact the adhesive or wash the brush.

[0008] Another example is U.S. Pat. S. D-363377
Applicant's previous spackle composition dispensing applicator marketed at Painter's Products Inc. as "Painter's Nail Hole Filler", as shown in FIG. In this case, an absorbent sponge pad is attached to the end of the cylindrical plastic tube containing the spackle composition. Upon removal of the pad, the spackle composition is squeezed onto the wall. The pad is remounted over the tube, which serves here as a handle for the pad, which pad is used to smooth the applied spacl. Further examples of such combinations are described in Applicant's U.S. Pat. S. D-386354, D-386563, D
See -398235.

As is well known to Applicants, the above-mentioned incompetence or functional limitations thereto in micro-sized packaging containers is described in “Package with Spread”.
March 10, 1987, entitled "Er for Spreadable Material" (Packaging with spreader for spreadable material).
U. assigned to S. The spreadable ingredient dispensed from such packages, particularly butter, found in 4648506, has also been implicitly observed by others in the past. The Campbell patent describes a package composed of walls of different physical properties, one of the walls being flexible and the other being rigid, serving as a spreader. By squeezing, the user squeezes the butter onto the spreader, and the user then spreads the butter around the slice of bread using, for example, the spreader.

[0010] Interestingly, it is clear that the structure of Campbell in its nature is more expensive than the packaging used for similar spreadable food ingredients. Due to the stiffness of the spreader section, the spreader application appears to be limited, and on surfaces that are not flat and wavy or that may be scratched by the rigid edges of the spreader, non-butter Convenience is low for extendable components. In addition, the structure of Campbell only includes a single spreading surface. The spreader extends essentially in the same axial direction as the package, so it can be lifted with one hand, such as a slice of bread, while another hand spreads the ingredients onto a small surface that can be used to move the spreader Seems to be appropriate to do. However, it does not appear to be suitable for different applications, for example for spreading the paint on walls which are large and cannot be lifted by hand. The palm of the user may rub another part of the wall, with the spreader apparently spreading the paint over one part of the wall, even though poorly. For whatever reason, the structure of Campbell did not appear in any grocery store that Applicants often visit, and thus did not appear to be successful in the marketplace.

[0011] As one advantage, the present invention combines the capabilities of both containers and spreaders in small flexible packages in various embodiments that do not encounter one or more of the above difficulties. Can be adapted to various application fields.

[0012] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a new micro-sized package capable of containing a unit dose of ingredients, including an integrated applicator.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a unitary packaging applicator combination that is inexpensive to manufacture and easy to use.

Another object of the present invention can be used with a variety of spreadable products of various viscosities intended to apply various surfaces, planar, non-planar, and corrugated in various environments. It is to provide a basic container applicator combination.

[0015] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a container applicator combination that is capable of extending the entrapped component onto a fragile surface and that does not scratch or damage such surface. is there.

A still further object is to provide a small, one-piece package applicator combination that can be carried in our pockets.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In accordance with the above objects and advantages, a new container applicator combination comprises an interior region for enclosing a spreadable material, a container, and a pair of spreadable materials for spreading the material. It is formed as a one-piece assembly, including a wing or applicator.

According to the present invention, a combination of a pair of flexible foil sheets of substantially the same structure is formed, wherein the foil sheets overlap and are partially joined together,
This is defined both between the internal area for confining the spreadable substance and the applicator for spreading the substance on the surface. By pressing the sides of the interior area,
The entrapped fluid component is squeezed onto the applicator and / or the desired surface. The applicator is then manually moved around the surface to spread the dispensed ingredients over the intended surface, using the container portion as a finger grip. The bond between the foil sheets is strong enough to prevent the sheets from separating by pulling the flaps apart with excessive force. Also, the spreadable component can be squeezed out only through the desired outlet.

According to a particular aspect according to the invention, the foil sheets are joined together by the same heat-sealed thermal layer as in the prior art packaging, defining one or more compartments depending on the particular application. . With the end of the sheet located at the exit to the compartment facing, a wing or flap is provided that functions as an applicator.

In one embodiment, the applicator is formed at an end of a flexible foil sheet, the end forming a free flap, facing flap that can swing outward in the opposite direction;
During this time there is an outlet to the container part. In a further alternative embodiment, as an additional feature, the applicator portion of the sheet includes a cloth-like absorbent pad. The pad provides a soft polished surface instead of a foil surface, and / or provides a sponge-like effect of sucking up the squeezed liquid and applying it to the surface. The present invention
Various new means used to open the dispensing outlet in various embodiments, including squeezing the package side, pulling or tearing the applicator flap, or simply spreading the applicator out of the stored position Is included.

[0021] The foregoing and additional objects and advantages of the invention, together with structural features of the invention which have merely been briefly summarized in the above process, will occur to those skilled in the art, as will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It will become clearer from reading the detailed description of the embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION As will be apparent from a brief review of the various drawings, the present invention is applicable to many embodiments having different configurations, structures, and features. Starting with this description in one of the more complex embodiments, referring first to FIG. 1, a preferred embodiment of a new packaging applicator 1 is illustrated as a top view, which is packaged in a sealed wrap. I have. As shown, the packaging applicator includes a container portion 3 shown in this embodiment by a generally rectangular portion. This container part is then partitioned into two separate compartments 3A and 3B, shown as being filled with components 2A and 2B, respectively. Wings or flaps 5 are integrally formed at the narrow end of the container part 3. The flaps are semicircular and do not include shaped corners to catch the surface. Furthermore, it is preferred that a fold line 13 is included between the flap and the container part.

A thin absorbent layer or pad 7, referred to by various names, outlined by a dotted line is attached to the lower surface of the flap 5. The pad can be an absorbent soft cotton material of the type employed in "Band Aid" brand adhesive bandages, or it can be made of a material such as felt.

The opposite or rear side of the applicator pack is a structurally nearly mirror image of the upper side, except that the corresponding pack is located on the upper surface of the flap. In FIG. 2, which shows the container applicator 1 as a non-scaled side, it can be seen that the structure of the container applicator is substantially symmetric about the central axis. As better shown in this figure,
The container part 3 is formed between a front wall panel 16 and a rear wall panel 18 joined together along the edge. Although it may not be apparent from FIG. 2, in the side view the packaging appears flat as unfilled. However, since the package is shown as being filled with components 2A, 2B in accordance with FIG. 1, the thickness of the package is expanded. Due to the confined extensible material, the front and rear panels and sides of the package are bulging sideways.

Also, the container applicator is relatively thin and its thickness is quite small relative to its length and width. The small thickness gives the package an essentially relatively flat shape. Such a shape allows multiple container applicators to be stacked and packaged in dozens of quantities in a box for wholesale and / or retail sale to customers on store shelves.

As shown, a second flap 6 is located below the flap 5. There is a fold line 14 between the flap 6 and the container part. The second flap also includes an absorbent pad 8 having a structure similar to pad 7, with pads 7 and 8 facing each other.

The container part 3 and the flaps 5, 6 in this embodiment are suitably formed from two webs or sheets of flexible packaging foil material, which are referred to by various names and are heat-sealed together, as will be described later. This will be described in detail. Flap 5
, 6 are formed at the end portions of the sheet that are not both heat sealed, since the flaps are separated in use and spread apart during use as shown by the dotted lines in the figure. In another embodiment, as described below, the flaps are temporarily joined by tearing strips to prevent the flaps from spreading apart before use and to provide convenient packing of multiple units in a large box. Maintain a flat shape.

Returning to FIG. 1, two sheets or panels of packaging material form a relatively shallow pouch by heat sealing the thermoplastic material along the outer edge or perimeter of the container portion. The heat seal creates a seal or thermal seam indicated by dotted line 15 in the name of the applicant. A compartment partition seal 17, indicated by a double dashed line, extends between both ends of the opposing portion of the thermal seam 15, separates the container portion 3 into individual compartments, and an outlet seal 19 for closing the compartment outlet is also heat treated. Is formed.

The thermal seam 15 is certainly strong. It is liquid tight and resistant to cracking and tearing even under excessive pressure. Even when a hard surface is pressed by hand, it will not break under normal use. Pulling the flaps 5 and 6 apart with excessive force will not break them. Those who have used flat packaging to dispense mustard and other spices should be familiar with the strength of the bond. The aforementioned thermal seam extends almost all around the perimeter of the compartment part 3, leaving one small passage or opening in the center of the lower end in the figure. The passage is the outlet of the container. The width of this outlet passage is smaller than the width of the container part 3 and is generally a part of the width of the container, and the certain width chosen for any practical embodiment depends on the physical properties of the extendable component. Depends on
For example, less than half the width of the container. By way of example, a low viscosity alcohol simply requires small pores, while a more viscous spice mustard requires relatively large pores.

The small passage in the thermal seam 15 is closed by an outlet seal 19, a conventional fragile seal having a chevron shape. Unlike the thermal seam 15, which is almost impossible to break by hand, this chevron seal can be easily broken. The seal 17 between the compartments is not as strong as the outlet seal 19, since the two components must be mixed before the mixture can be dispensed, so that this seal must first be broken.

The pads 7, 8 are preferably included for applications where the container applicator is intended to hold a free flowing liquid such as alcohol, which has a very low viscosity.
In such applications, the outlet of the container must be very small in diameter and almost pinhole, in order to allow the liquid to escape rather than flow freely. When the container is opened, the alcohol squeezed out of the container area is at least partially absorbed by the pad, and the alcohol spreads from the pad by rubbing the spreading applicator pad against the skin. This allows the packaging applicator to be used as a sterile wipe.

Soft pads are also included in applications for holding automotive polishes that attempt to polish a portion of the vehicle body surface without scratching the body paint, and also include packaged contents. The case where the object is an adhesive is also included. As described below, in other embodiments, the absorbent pad is omitted and only the extendable flap is used to provide the function of the applicator.

Referring back to FIG. As an additional feature, in order to ensure sterility and / or as additional defense against unintentional or accidental leakage and / or to prevent the flap from spreading out before use, 1 is sealed in a plastic or cellophane wrapper 10 forming a shallow, relatively flat bag. The wrapper includes a tear strip end 11 formed by a series of dotted cuts along a dotted line 12. Apart from this use in the above combination, this use in plastic wrappers of the type described above and in automatic packaging machines is well known in the packaging art and need not be described further. When the packaged ingredient is to be used, the stripping strip is removed and the container applicator is withdrawn from the wrapper.

The main body of the packaging applicator is a well-known flexible metal foil material for packaging,
It is typically formed of a laminate of metal foil and plastic, which is described later herein. The walls of the container applicator are thin and flexible and easily temporarily deform when filled with fluid by squeezing the container portion between one finger and thumb.

To use, remove from packaging 10 and squeeze both sides of packaging applicator 1 between the thumb and forefinger of each hand to temporarily deform the flexible wall, as shown in FIG. Sufficient pressure is applied to the entrapped component, causing it to break the compartment seal 17 between the compartments, allowing mixing of the individual contents. By further squeezing both sides of the package, the ingredients are thoroughly mixed. Clearing the walls of the container section, including the coloring material in the ingredients, allows complete mixing to be visible through both sides of the package.

Following such mixing, the package should be squeezed with greater force to force the entrapped component to break through the chevron seal 19, thereby opening the outlet passage, for example, as shown in FIG. Allow the contents to be squeezed out of the package as partially shown. Suitably, squeezing the package walls together, squeezing the sides of the package between the thumb and the other finger, reduces the size of the internal cavity so that the entrapped material 2 pushes or breaks the dispensing seal 19. A high enough pressure is applied to the contents, whereby the material opens the dispensing outlet of the container.

Assuming that the viscosities of the components are sufficiently high, the dispensed components are flaps 5, 6
Are pivoted in opposite directions so that they are slightly spread apart from each other. The user holds the container part 3 with his / her finger, then presses the components against the desired surface, spreads the flaps further apart and spreads the components onto the surface as shown in FIG. As shown
The length and width of the flap are large enough to perform this application function. The user then moves the spread flap back and forth and / or up and down along the surface to spread the dispensed components around the surface.

The dual compartment container described above serves as a storage location for the individual components that must be combined to activate the two-component content. One application that is immediately recalled is epoxy resins, which are strong adhesives. Generally, the adhesive is sold in two containers, one containing the epoxy and the other containing the curing agent, dispensing and mixing together to form a useful adhesive. There must be. Homeowners who have used small amounts of epoxy adhesive for home purposes in the past will appreciate the advantages over the new container applicator combination. Mixing is accomplished in the package, eliminating the need for a mixing bowl and stirrer, and since this part is small, individually sized and dosed, there is no open container to close . Store large amounts of left-over adhesive that may dry out before another plan arrives, without the possibility of contacting the epoxy with the finger and dispensing and painting on the desired surface Never.

As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the present invention can often be implemented using existing flexible packaging materials and assembly processes. It should be recognized that the above embodiments and the following embodiments listed herein can also be made by hand with the help of materials and a hand-held heating rod such as a hot iron. However, for mass production automated machine assembly is preferred.

Reference is made to FIGS. 6-9 to help explain the container applicator of FIG. Two webs of packaging membrane material 21 and 23 are dispensed from a pair of rolls in an overlapping relationship by an automatic machine and cut into the desired shape as shown in FIG. The two webs are then heat sealed to form an outer heat seal 15, a section heat seal 17, and a chevron outlet heat seal 19, as shown in FIG. 7, suitably completed using conventional heat sealing equipment.
Are simultaneously formed. This separates the two webs into separate internal compartments 3A, 3B
And into the container part 3 formed between the panels 16 and 18 including the attached integral end flaps 5, 6, the flap 6 not being visible in this view. If a fold line 13 is to be included between the container part and the flap, this is also pressed by means of a heat-seal machine into a straight rod into the material to form a permanent groove.

In the next step of the manufacturing process, as shown in FIG. 8, one flap 5 is turned over to expose the inner surfaces of both flaps 5, 6. The absorbent pads 7, 8 are adhesively fixed to the respective flaps with a suitable thermosetting adhesive. The flap 5 is then turned over or rotated as shown in FIG. 9 to return it to its normal position.

As an alternative, in the step shown in FIG. 8, a single larger absorbent pad 7 ′ can be substituted for the pads 7, 8 which substantially covers the inner surfaces of both flaps Includes a central opening 9 which is sufficiently large and is aligned with the dispensing angle outlet 19 of the container. Such a unitary pad is adhesively fixed to both flaps, bridging between these flaps and folded in half.

Next, using a conventional needle filler, the two compartments are divided into component materials 2A, 2A
Fill with B. As is well known, filling flat packages with spices and other fluid components is often performed by hollow needles. The needle pierces the side of the packaging material and distributes fluid through the needle into the formed internal cavity. When the needle is pulled back, the filling machine seals the small puncture by heat sealing. This machine is well known in the packaging art and need not be further described.

Referring to FIG. 10, which illustrates a second embodiment of the present invention. For convenience, the same numbers used to identify elements of the previous embodiment are used for similar elements appearing in this embodiment, but with accented numbers. Here, the packaging 1 'is a single compartment 3'
Including only. As in the embodiment of FIG. 1, this unit is formed of two substantially identical sheets of a plasticized metal foil laminate that overlap each other and are joined together by a thermal seam. A thermal seam 15 'applied by standard heat sealing techniques extends around the compartment 3', in this path a thermal seal located at the center of one end of the unit, a chevron seal 19 ', a fragile closure. Or is interrupted by what is called a seal and various names. The chevron seal closes the opening in the thermal seam 15 'which serves as a distribution outlet. The thermal seam 15 'extends from the rear end of the unit and extends along the sides for about 80% of the length of the unit and then changes direction without sealing the remaining end of the length of the foil laminate. Leave it so that it can be turned back.

The unit includes a fold line 13 ′ formed in a sheet material or the like, and a similar fold line on another sheet not visible in this view. Fold lines help the flap to bend more easily. However, as in the previous embodiment, in alternative embodiments of the present invention, the fold lines may be omitted if desired. Generally speaking,
If the selected material is sufficiently flexible, the flaps can be pivoted or spread apart over a wide arc without any help including the fold line. However, if the material selected for the combination is thicker, it will be more rigid and it is desirable to include a fold line.

To demonstrate the flexibility of the present invention, the above-described embodiments do not include the absorbent pads used in the embodiment of FIG. 1, such as the absorbent pads 7, 8 in the previous figures. However, if the unit is to store low-viscosity components such as, for example, alcohol or polishing fluid, it is preferred to include an absorbent pad.

The two flaps in this embodiment, namely flap 5 ′ shown in FIG.
And the outer ends of the flaps 6 'located below are held together by a peel seal strip 20. Because the tear-off strips are numerous in the box filled with product, the flaps are held in place, essentially straight and parallel, to further facilitate the packaging of such units. . The strip is integrated into the sheet material at the end of the flap by bonding the narrow edges of the flap end together with an adhesive or heat treatment and incorporating the well-known tear line 22 at the end of the flap. Formed. The user simply tears the strip 20 to separate the flaps from each other, which allows the flaps to pivot about their respective fold lines independently of each other.

FIG. 11 shows the embodiment of FIG. 10 in a sectional view. The flaps 5 ', 6' extend essentially parallel, but are connected together at a distal end by a tear-off tab 20. The proximal end of each flap is integral with the end of the container part 3 '. The thermal seam 15 'extending around the perimeter of the container section connecting the edges of the front and rear panels together and defining the interior cavity of the container is partially visible in the figure. The container part is shown filled with component 2 '.

As shown in a side view in FIG. 12, both sides of the container part 3 ′ are bulging outward as the unit is shown filled with dispensable components. Upon removal of the tear-off tab 20, the flaps 5 ', 6' can be spread apart by hand as shown in a partial perspective view in FIG. A frangible chevron seal 19 'closing the passage into the container is shown as being centrally located. If the packaging material used has a relatively large degree of bendability and flexibility, as indicated by the dotted line, the flap 6 'can be pivoted further downward.

As in the previous embodiment, the chevron seal 19 ′ is crushed by pressing both sides of the package together, squeezing the seal and squeezing the ingredients through an open outlet. Alternatively, the chevron outlet seal can be broken and peeled off by slightly repositioning the chevron seal as the flaps are spread apart manually and separated from each other. By extending the chevron seal 19 'slightly into the flap area, the forward portion of the chevron seal is formed by heat treatment between the two flaps. Because the chevron seal is made relatively weak and purposely fragile, when the flap is pulled apart, this pulling force removes this portion of the seal, thereby opening the outlet.
As noted earlier, the packaging remains intact, even if the flaps are torn apart, because the strength of the thermal seam does not make it feasible to use excessive pulling force on the flaps to tear and release the packaging. It is.

At first glance, the above alternative is externally a Johnson & John
It looks similar to a "peel-off" package used to package adhesive bandages such as those marketed by Son. As recalled, such a bandage wrap is formed between two strips of a generally moisture-resistant or impervious paper composition that overlap and join together to form two flaps with the bandage compartment. The flap extends from one end and is used as a "pull-off" tab on the package. By separating the tabs, the two strips are separated and the package is peeled off, allowing easy full access to the adhesive bandage. In addition to focusing on some similarities found by hindsight, it is readily recognized that the present invention differs in structure, purpose, and function from the above description.

The above embodiments according to FIGS. 10 to 13 use the same technique illustrated and described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 9, except that the step of attaching the absorbent pad shown in FIG. 8 is ignored. The step of forming the peeling strip 20 is included in the steps shown in FIG. When opened, it is used in the same manner as described for the previous embodiment.

The container outlet passage and the chevron seal 19 ′ to the container are centrally located in this and the following embodiments, but these elements can alternatively be used without departing from the scope of the present invention. One skilled in the art will recognize that it can be located at another less preferred location along the edge of the. The illustrated positioning ensures that the dispensed components are less likely to fall off the flap side edges in small quantities.

Further, it will be appreciated that the axis of the outlet passage in the above and following embodiments is preferably straight and coaxial with the main axis of the container. Thus, when the components are squeezed out of the container by pressure, the flow of the components should be exclusively towards the front of the unit. However, as will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the axis of the passage may be replaced with an alternative embodiment without departing from the scope of the invention, for example, if the component flow prefers to be directed to one side or the other of the flap. May turn in different directions.

Reference is now made to FIG. 14, which illustrates yet another embodiment of the present invention. As with the single-compartment embodiment of FIG. 10, the container applicator 25 is formed of two substantially identical sheets of plasticized metal foil laminate overlapping one another and joined together by a thermal seam. A thermal seam 27 applied by standard heat sealing techniques extends around the compartment portion 26 of the unit and is interrupted in this path by a small outlet or passage 29 located at the center of one end of the unit. The thermal seam 27 extends from the rear end of the unit and extends along the sides for about 80% of the length of the unit, leaving the remaining end unsealed and free for the flap, as in the previous embodiment. As is the case, the upper flap 31 and the lower flap 32 are defined, but in this figure the lower flap 31 is only partially visible in the lower left cutout.

Each flap includes a respective absorbent pad 28, 30, with pad 30 partially shown in the lower left cutout. Since these pads are attached to the inner surface of the flap as in the embodiment of FIG. 1, the pads are facing each other. It will be appreciated that, as an alternative, a single larger pad including the central opening described with respect to the previous embodiment could be substituted for the two pads.

A relatively shallow sack, or bladder, or bag 33, referred to by various names, is in the interior area of the compartment 26 defined between the two foil laminate sheets. The bag 33 is formed in the same manner as the rest of the unit, i.e. by heat sealing the periphery to form a closed compartment. Further, the bag is filled with the desired components before heat sealing the outer sheets together. The bag 33 includes a small neck 34 used as an outlet for the bag. The neck extends through the passage 29 and projects into the region of the opposing flap 31. The neck is
It is closed at the end by a fragile seal, especially a peel-off tab 35.

In this embodiment, the two sheets of flexible foil material are fused together to define an internal compartment, but this compartment need not be liquid tight. The inner compartment contains another container that is liquid tight. The "double sack" configuration of this embodiment is intended for components such as automotive polish.

For use, the user spreads the opposing flaps sideways, accesses and removes the tear-off tab 34, and opens the sack 33. Then on both sides of the container (
With a finger press (as shown in FIG. 4), the liquid polish is removed from the sack 33 to the pads 28,3.
Squeeze over zero and spread out each associated flap 31 and 32. The user then grips both sides of the container, applies a polisher to the surface of the vehicle as previously shown in FIG. 5, and spreads the polisher around the surface with a spreading pad. In this way, small repairs of the motor vehicle topcoat can be cleared quickly and the dispensing applicator is discarded.

The above structure is more expensive than the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 3, and is therefore preferred for applications requiring a particular structure. For example, the lowest cost approach is to use existing flexible foil laminate materials currently used for micro-sized packages. However, if certain extensible components are found to react inconveniently with the material, rather than abolishing the use of packaging materials, the described embodiments allow for individual non-reactive materials, It will be appreciated that storing the material in the bag is more economical.

Upon reading the above description of the preferred embodiments of the invention, those skilled in the art will have the advantage and features of the above-described embodiments, which are more expensive and within the scope of the invention. Additional embodiments will be recalled which are less preferred because they are not.

As an example, a more rigid applicator handle may be required than provided by the structure described above. To satisfy such applications, the above structure can be modified to incorporate higher stiffness characteristics on at least one side. Reference is made to FIG. 15, which shows an alternative embodiment including a more rigid handle applicator in cross section. As shown, the container applicator 36 includes a container portion, which is two sheets of a flexible foil material that is heat sealed with a thermal seam, just as in the embodiment of FIG. 10 described above. It defines an internal cavity 37 formed between the sheets 37A, 37B and includes a chevron outlet seal. This comprises two parallel extending applicator flaps 38 at one end.
, 39. As in the case of the previous embodiment, the container part is too small in size to show in the figure, but includes a container outlet and a frangible chevron seal closure for this outlet, between the extendable flaps 38, 39. Area.

In this cross-sectional view for illustrative purposes, the left sheet is shown bulging outward so that the container is filled with the extendable component. However, internal cavity 3
The reader is reminded that before filling 7 with the packaged components, the left sheet is placed facing another sheet. In a top view, this embodiment should look the same as the embodiment of FIG.

A relatively thick layer or panel 40 is joined to the right wall 37B. This panel can consist of a thick layer of thermoplastic material, perhaps 2 to 5 times thicker than wall 37B.
The panels are heat treated or glued to this wall.

In this embodiment, the fragile closure member is breached by pressing both sides of the container portion between the thumb and other fingers, as in most of the embodiments described above. However, in this structure, only one wall 37A is flexible, and the stiffened wall is used somewhat as an anvil. The stored extensible component is then squeezed out of the compartment into the area between the extensible flaps by continuing to press the side wall with a finger. The action of finger pressing is found to be similar to the action described in the Campbell patent referenced in the background of the invention.

Although the above-described structure provides a better handle for the applicator, it should be recognized that manufacturing is expensive because of the additional steps and materials required for fabrication.
Therefore, such a structure is preferred only for certain applications requiring a more rigid applicator handle.

In addition to the panel reinforcement, the handle can be made more rigid in a more economical way. Referring to FIG. 16, another alternative embodiment including a more rigid applicator handle is shown in cross-section. As shown, the container applicator 41 includes a container portion, which is exactly the same as in the embodiment of FIG. 10 described above, two sheets of flexible foil material heat sealed with a thermal seam. Sheet 44
A and 44B define an internal cavity 44 and include a chevron outlet seal. It also includes two parallel extending applicator flaps 43, 45 at one end. As in the case of the previous embodiment, the container portion is too small in size to show in the figure but includes a container outlet and a frangible chevron seal closure for this outlet, between the extendable flaps 43, 45. Area. The portion of the thermal seam 44c extending along the left side of the container portion is visible in this view.

In this cross-sectional view, also for illustrative purposes, the left foil sheet 44A is shown bulging outward so that the container is filled with the extendable component. However, the reader is still reminded that the left sheet 44A is placed facing another sheet 44B before filling the interior cavity 44 with the packaged components.
Also, in a top view, this embodiment should look the same as the embodiment of FIG.

As shown, the right wall 44B and flap 45 are suitably 3-5 times thicker than the left foil sheet laminate, and therefore have higher stiffness in physical properties. Formed from a foil sheet laminate having
Thus, the increased wall thickness on one side of the container portion is less flexible and flexible than on the other side, and in this respect is essentially comparable to the reinforcing panel 40 of the previous embodiment.

As a result of the structure described above, flap 45 is substantially thicker than flap 43.
For example, a fold line 44D is included to help pivot the flap 45 to the position shown by the right dotted line. The large thickness makes it difficult to pivot the flap 45 without a fold line, but the flap 43 does not require a fold line. The flap thickness is not the same, but should not interfere with the operation of the applicator.

In this embodiment, the fragile closure member is broken by pressing both sides of the container portion between the thumb and other fingers as in the previous embodiment. However, in this configuration, one wall 44A is considerably more flexible than the wall 44B, and the stiffened wall is used somewhat as an anvil. The stored extensible component is then squeezed out of the compartment into the area between the flaps 43, 45 by continuing to press the side wall with a finger. The action of finger pressing is found to be similar to the action described in the Campbell patent referenced in the background of the invention.

The above-described structure also provides a better handle for the applicator, but the material also increases in thickness in one of the two sheets, even though it is cheaper to manufacture than the embodiment of FIG. It should be appreciated that this requires additional materials and therefore is more expensive to manufacture than the embodiment of FIGS. Therefore, such a structure is more preferred only for certain applications requiring a more rigid applicator handle.

The embodiments described above recognize that the surface shape is rectangular, in alternative versions it may be wide or narrow, and the shape of the flap is rectangular or almost semi-circular with rounded corners. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the present invention can be made in other shapes without departing from the scope of the present invention. By way of example, additional shapes of the described assembly are illustrated in FIGS. As shown in FIG. 17, in the container applicator 46, both the container 47 and the wings 48 and 49 can have a semicircular upper surface and appear circular in combination. In the container application tool combination product 50 shown in FIG.
2, 53 are quasi-rhombic, with wings including rounded outer points. The various permissible shapes offer merchants to employ embodiments of the present invention in various promotions of packaged products.

Referring now to FIG. 19, which illustrates yet another embodiment 54 of the present invention. As in the previous embodiment, the packaging is made up of two panels 55, 5 comprising a flexible thermoplastic material.
6, the panel is heat sealed in a superimposed relationship along the outer edge by a thermal seam as indicated by dotted line 58, except for outlet 57, and the interior with a pair of forwardly extending applicator flaps 59, 60. A packaging compartment is formed and each flap is formed integrally with each of the panels 55,56. In this applicator package, a small void 57 in the thermal seam at the dispensing end of the package is located in the center of the wall between the flaps and is used as an outlet for the packaged components. Unique to this embodiment, the flaps 59, 60, shown in shade, are folded together and pressed against the top of one of the packaging panels 55, thereby closing the outlet 57.

[0075] Just as in the previous embodiment, the interior surfaces of the flaps 59, 60 include an absorbent pad and can be left exposed if desired. However, for simplicity, the absorbent pad is not shown in this embodiment.

An adhesive coated tape 61 is wrapped around the dispensing end of the package and extends laterally across its width, securing the flaps 59, 60 to the panel 55. The length of the tape is such that one end of the tape located above the tape flap 63 when secured in place with respect to the width of the package can overlap the other end of the tape located above the tape flap 62. Length. The width of the tape is slightly greater than the length of the applicator flaps 59, 60 so that the side edges of the tape can directly contact the portion of the underlying panel 55 as well as the surface of the underlying applicator flap 60.

The tape adhesive is such as to provide a suitable protective seal to protect the dispensing outlet 57 and to keep the outlet closed with the folded flaps 59, 60,
In addition, it provides an adhesive or bond that is weak enough to easily strip the tape so that a normal user can release the entrapped component from the package. This type of adhesive is used on the familiar “Post-It®” note paper.

As shown in the perspective view of FIG. 20, there is no adhesive at the edge of the end 63 above the tape 61, so that it is lifted slightly and the user can easily grasp the tape and remove it from the package. Provides a surface for pulling apart. As shown in this perspective view, the package is shown slightly bulged at 64 to accommodate the components shown as being enclosed within the package. If desired, the tape could be made wider than that shown to cover the folds exposed at the attachment end of the flap 60 shown in the figure, and to create an overhanging portion of the tape at this end. The overhanging edge portions can be sealed to one another.

The embodiments described above are easily manufactured. FIG. 21 shows the above embodiment with FIG.
-9, two panels 55, 56 mounted in an overlapping relationship and achieved by a forwardly extending integral applicator flap 59, 6 achieved through the procedure described above.
0 shows the applicator packaging in the assembly stage according to FIG. The left and right sides are attached by thermal seams along these edges, and the front edge of the panel is similarly attached along the base of the flaps 59, 60 by heat treatment, except that the small gap is By forming the outlet 57 described therein but not visible in the figure, the fold line 65 is formed at the base of the flap, if included, and the absorbent pad, if included, over the opposing surface inside the flap. It is attached. At this stage,
The trailing edges of the panels 55, 56 remain unsealed, allowing the trapped components to be inserted at a later stage of manufacture, as in the situation according to the previous embodiment.

Next, as shown in FIG. 22, both flaps 59, 60 are folded over one top of the two panels. The panel fold covers or closes the outlet 57. The tape 61, the inner surface of which is coated with adhesive 66, is then folded to form two vertically oriented flaps 62, 63 as shown in FIG. Then, with one edge of the tape aligned with the leading edge of the formed package shown in the figure,
The horizontal portion of the tape 61 is pressed against the surface of the lower panel 56. The tape flap 62 is then folded over the outer surface of the lower applicator flap 60 to reach a portion of the surface of the upper packaging panel 55, all of which the tape flap adheres. Another tape flap 63 is folded over to cover the other portion of the outer surface of the lower flap 60 and to the other portion of the surface of the upper wrap panel 55, covering the portion of the tape flap 62, to which all of the tape flap adheres. This effectively seals the dispensing end of the applicator package.

The applied amount of the fluid component to be packaged in the applicator package is jetted into the unsealed bottom end. The bottom end is then sealed by heat treatment,
To complete the filled applicator package shown in (1). FIG. 20 is referred to again.

When the user wishes to dispense and spread the components from this applicator packaging embodiment, the user pulls up on the tape flap 63 to pull the entire tape apart from the other elements. Pulling the tape will also help at least pull the lower flap 60 away from that location and onto the top of the upper flap 59, ideally in a spread position where both flaps extend forward due to friction. Moving. Alternatively, the user can move both flaps with their fingers to the forward spread position. This exposes and opens the distribution outlet.

In this case, this embodiment shows a function very similar to that of the previous embodiment. The user squeezes a portion of the ingredient from the package onto the desired flap or surface by pressing the sides of the package with a finger. The flap spreads apart and allows the components to easily spread around the surface.

Although it can be completed manually as described in the above embodiments, it is preferred that the fabrication and filling be completed by an automatic packaging machine that is easily adapted for this purpose.

The above-described embodiments of the present invention use the same metal foil laminate, typically an aluminum foil found in existing flexible packaging. Those skilled in the packaging arts are aware of available metal foil laminates, including, by product identification, seal foil 101, which is a vapor-deposited polyester or EVA, vapor-deposited polyester / polyester gold laminate. Seal foil 102, white foil / metal foil / polyester laminate seal foil 122, brown / kraft / metal foil / polyester laminate seal foil 12
5 ms, and a seal foil 360 which is a nylon / poly / metal foil / poly in sequential layers of kraft, metal foil, poly, polypropylene, clear, poly, metal foil. A practical form of the above-described embodiment is preferably made from a seal foil 360 film laminate.

It will be appreciated that any number of components having different packaging structures are intended to be packaged. The foil laminate used in the production must not adversely react with the stored components. The packaged components must not corrode or erode the packaging material. By way of example, if a food spice is to be packaged, the packaging material has been tested in the industry and has been approved for food spice.

The surface area defined by the top and bottom sides of the container portion of the packaging applicator combination should be at least sized to accommodate at least the average size of a person's thumb. Because the information is tabulated by medical authorities, it is probably as large as the largest human thumb that is likely to be encountered in the world. Thus, embodiments of the packaging applicator including flaps are from １．２ × 1 inch to 15.24.
It is expected to be 6.times.6 inches or larger.

The size of the container outlet will depend on the viscosity of the extensible material to be confined and the desired acupressure to squeeze the ingredients. At a given acupressure, the passage of the closure can be quite large for highly viscous fluids such as molasses and honey, and minimized for low viscosity fluids such as alcohol.

It should be understood that the spreadable material is any viscous liquid and semi-liquid, high or low sol and gel and / or paste. By way of example, this includes cosmetic creams and topical preparations for the face, water repellents for bags, shoe creams, various food seasonings such as oil and butter and toppings such as mustard and ketchup, tanning oils and sun creams, feet Creams, paints, paint cleaners and paint colorants, eyeglass cleaners, hair colorants, hair decolorizers, cosmetics and perfumes, aloe vera gel, carpet cleaners and dyes, leather conditioners, automotive insect and road tar removers , Waxes, scratch removers and tire repair agents, automotive brake grease, oven cleaners and other cleaners, and adhesives. With the absorbent pad included in the combination, the container applicator can also include a glass cleaner, a water repellent, an alcohol, and an antimicrobial liquid. These form an alcohol compound pad.

In the embodiments described above, the sides of the container applicator are shown as transparent or flat in appearance. However, in actual embodiments of the present invention, advertising data, trademark identification,
And is expected to include other printed information and coloring as currently exists for micropackaging.

The present invention provides an additional advantage with the flap acting as a protection. People who have distributed spices such as mustard from flexible packaging often find that not all of the mustard falls onto the sandwich meat when the mustard is forced out of the slit exit. Instead, a portion of the mustard rolls back and wraps around the side of the package, and the misleading mustard often contacts the user's thumb. So the user has to wash his hands. According to the present invention, the mustard, which rolls backwards, is prevented from reaching the user's thumb by the spreading wings or flaps.

The above description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention has been described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to make and use the invention. However, it is to be clearly understood that the details of the elements set forth for the purposes set forth above are not intended to limit the scope of the invention, and that all equivalents and other modifications of these elements are also included in the invention. All within the scope, all of which will become apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading this specification. Accordingly, the invention is to be broadly construed as being within the full scope of the appended claims.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 shows a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 3 illustrates a technique for operating the embodiment of FIG. 1 and other embodiments described herein.

FIG. 4 illustrates a technique for operating the embodiment of FIG. 1 and other embodiments described herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates a technique for operating the embodiment of FIG. 1 and other embodiments described herein.

FIG. 6 partially illustrates steps in a preferred procedure for manufacturing the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 7 partially illustrates steps in a preferred procedure for manufacturing the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a diagram partially illustrating steps in a preferred procedure for manufacturing the embodiment of FIG. 1;

8A is a diagram illustrating a component that is an alternative to the component illustrated in the step of FIG. 8;

FIG. 9 partially illustrates steps in a preferred procedure for manufacturing the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 12 is a side view of the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 13 is a partial perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 10 in which operation preparation is completed.

FIG. 14 illustrates yet another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the dispensable component is contained in a shallow bag.

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment incorporating a wall stiffening element.

FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment having walls and flaps formed of different thickness and rigid materials.

FIG. 17 shows circular and diamond embodiments.

FIG. 18 illustrates circular and diamond embodiments.

FIG. 19 depicts a top view of yet another embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 19 at various assembly stages.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 19 at various assembly stages.

23 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 19 at various assembly stages.

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of front page (81) Designated country EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, IT, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE ), OA (BF, BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), AP (GH, GM, KE, LS, MW, SD, SL, SZ, TZ, UG, ZW), EA (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, CA, CH, CN, CU, CZ, DE, DK, EE, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS , JP, KE, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR, LS, LT, LU, LV, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, NO, NZ, PL, PT, RO, RU, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ, TM, TR, TT, UA, UG, UZ, VN, YU, ZA, ZWF terms (reference) 3E014 PA03 PB03 PC04 PD30 PE25 4F042 AA01 AB00 CA01 CB03 CB24 CB27 FA22 FA23 FA24 FA35 FA45 [continued from summary] Combined to define both container (3) and applicator (1).

Claims (48)

[Claims] 1. A container applicator combination comprising a container having a top surface and a bottom surface and a first end and a second end, wherein the top surface and the bottom surface receive at least a thumb of a hand. Has a length and width dimension that defines a surface area of sufficient size to allow the container to be gripped between the thumb and other finger of the hand, wherein the length and width dimensions are A container having a dispensing outlet located at the second end, wherein the container includes a dispensing outlet located at the second end; ,
Additionally, the applicator includes an applicator attached to and integrated with the container and defining therewith a single unitary structure, the applicator including a first wing and a second wing, each of the wings being the first wing of the container. Affixed to two ends and extending outwardly from said second end, pivoting and spreading apart in opposite directions over a wide arc, said first wing being located on one side of said distribution outlet; The second wing is located opposite the distribution outlet; the first wing defines an applicator surface on its lower surface; and the second wing defines an applicator surface on its upper surface. Container coating tool combination product. 2. The container according to claim 2, wherein the top surface and the first wing of the container include first and second laterally-spaced portions of a first flexible foil sheet, respectively, and the bottom surface of the container and the second wing are each other. The invention of claim 1 including first and second laterally spaced portions of a second flexible foil sheet. 3. The first portion of the first sheet and the first portion of the second sheet.
3. The invention of claim 2, wherein the portions are fused together to define a shallow cavity between the first and second flexible foil sheets. 4. The invention of claim 3, further comprising a breakable sealing means between said shallow cavity and said second portion of each of said first and second flexible foil sheets. 5. The first wing is normally disposed in a storage position oriented essentially parallel to the axis of the distribution outlet, and is pivotable at least 90 degrees in a first rotational direction with respect to the distribution outlet axis. Wherein the second wing is normally disposed in a storage position oriented essentially parallel to the axis of the distribution outlet, and is pivotable at least 90 degrees in a second rotational direction with respect to the distribution outlet axis. The second direction of rotation is opposite to the first direction of rotation, whereby the applicator surface can be opened and separated and directed away from the dispensing exit axis, with the applicator surface facing the surface 3. The invention of claim 2, wherein the container can be grasped between at least one thumb and another finger to move along. 6. The container according to claim 1, further comprising a fragile closure means for keeping said outlet closed and opening said outlet in response to a predetermined pressure applied from within said container to open said outlet passage. 2. The invention according to 1. 7. The system of claim 1, further comprising fragile closure means that normally keeps the outlet closed and opens the outlet in response to a force applied by pulling the wings in opposite directions. Invention. 8. A bending line positioned between the first wing and the container in the first flexible foil sheet for enhancing a turning operation of the first wing, and a turning operation of the second wing is enhanced. The first flexible foil sheet for the second
The invention of claim 2, further comprising a second fold line located between the wing and the vessel. 9. A folding line located between the first wing and the container for enhancing the turning operation of the first wing, and the second wing for increasing the turning operation of the second wing. The invention of claim 1, further comprising a second fold line located between the container and the container. 10. The invention of claim 1, further comprising a first pad attached to said lower surface of said first wing, and a second pad attached to said upper surface of said second wing. . 11. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a pad mounted on the lower surface of the first and second wings, the pad including a small passage therethrough adjacent the distribution outlet. Invention. 12. A package applicator combination for a spreadable material, comprising a pair of flexible sheets, the flexible sheets being bonded together to define a cavity region for enclosing the spreadable material therebetween. An applicator, the applicator including a pair of end flaps, one of the flaps integrally formed at one end of the flexible sheet in the pair, and the other one of the flaps. The flaps are integrally formed at the other corresponding end of the flexible sheet in the pair, the flaps are positioned overlying each other, and the packaging applicator combination is further integrally formed between the pair of sheets. Including one fragile closure,
The closure is normally closed and when open provides a passage from the cavity area to the flap through which extendable material can be squeezed into at least the area between the flaps, Sufficient finger pressure applied to squeeze the flexible sheets toward each other causes sufficient expansion to squeeze the trapped extensible material out of the cavity area through the passage and contact the flap. A packaging applicator combination that increases the pressure on possible substances. 13. The pair of flexible sheets are joined to each other by a thermal seam, the thermal seam defining a border around a predetermined area of the sheet to define a boundary of all of the cavity areas, 13. The invention of claim 12, defining an opening, wherein the opening is closed by the frangible closure. 14. The fragile closure includes a second thermal seam, the second thermal seam closing the opening at the boundary adjacent to the first thermal seam, and the second thermal seam defining a chevron. 14. The invention of claim 13 further comprising. 15. The invention of claim 12, wherein said cavity region includes first and second compartments. 16. A second thermal seam for partitioning the cavity into a first compartment and a second compartment for separately storing components of the spreadable material, defining a first thermal seam. The thermal seam joining the flexible sheets is stronger than the second thermal seam, so that the third thermal seam is at a first level of pressure, i.e. lower than the pressure required to break the fragile closure. 14. The article of claim 13, wherein the material is broken after adding to the flexible sheet, thus distributing the material after the individual components are mixed together to form the spreadable material. 17. The system of claim 17, further comprising a pair of absorbent pads associated with each of the flaps of the pair of flaps, wherein a first pad of the pair of flaps is attached to an inner surface of one of the flaps. 13. The invention of claim 12, wherein a second pad of the absorbent pad is attached to the other inner surface of the flap to place the pad in a facing relationship. 18. The article of claim 12, further comprising an absorbent pad attached to an inner surface of each of said flaps and bridging a space therebetween, said absorbent pad including a small central opening. 19. The apparatus of claim 19, further comprising a pair of absorbent pads associated with each of the flaps of the pair of flaps, wherein a first pad of the pair of flaps is attached to an inner surface of one of the flaps. 17. The invention of claim 16, wherein a second pad of the absorbent pad is attached to another inner surface of the flap to place the pad in an opposing relationship. 20. The apparatus of claim 20, further comprising a closed pouch for wrapping the pair of flexible sheets, wherein the pouch surrounds the flexible sheet with a sleeve, and the closed pouch opens the pouch to expose the pair of flexible sheets. 13. The invention of claim 12, including a peel-off tab for causing the peel-off tab. 21. The flexible sheet includes a fold line at a proximal end of an associated flap to allow the first flap to pivot outward in a first direction and the second flap to pivot outward in an opposite direction. The invention according to claim 12, wherein a wide surface of the applicator is prepared. 22. The invention of claim 12, wherein each of said flaps in said pair includes an absorbent pad on an inner surface thereof. 23. The invention of claim 12, wherein the fragile closure ruptures and opens in response to a predetermined level of pressure applied to the fragile closure by the trapped material. 24. The invention of claim 12, wherein the fragile closure opens in response to pulling the flap in the opposite direction. 25. A relatively flat container having a pair of walls, wherein at least one of said walls of said pair is resilient, said walls holding said container between one thumb and another finger. The flat container includes an outlet having an area sufficient to allow grasping and squeezing, wherein the outlet includes a container located at one end of the relatively flat container; An integrated packaging and applicator combination having a width smaller than the width of the end of the container and including first and second flaps integrally attached to the end of the container; One flap is attached to the container at a position above the outlet for one-way swing and the second flap is attached to the first flap for swing in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Take the container into the container at a position below the outlet in facing relationship with the flap An integrated packaging applicator combination, wherein the flaps can spread apart to define an applicator, and the flat container serves as a handle for the applicator. 26. A relatively flat container comprising a neck received within the pair of walls and extending a predetermined distance through the outlet for enclosing material to be dispensed. The neck includes a tear-off tab for opening the bladder, the tear-off tab being accessible from the end of the passage by manually spreading and releasing the flap. The invention of claim 25, wherein 27. The article of claim 26, wherein each of said pairs of flaps includes an absorbent pad on an inner surface thereof. 28. An absorbent pad secured to an inner surface of each of said flaps, whereby said absorbent pad bridges said flap, said absorbent pad passing therethrough and adjacent said outlet. 26. The invention of claim 25, further comprising a small passageway. 29. The article of claim 27, wherein each of said walls includes a fold line at an end of said flap integrally connected to a respective wall to define a pivot line for said flap. . 30. The invention of claim 25, wherein each of said wall and said flap comprises a flexible foil material. 31. Each of said walls includes a fold line at an end of said flap integrally connected to a respective wall to define a pivot line for said flap;
29. The invention of claim 28, wherein each of said wall and said flap comprises a flexible foil material. 32. The method of claim 25, further comprising fragile closure means for normally closing said outlet, said fragile closure means being responsive to a predetermined pressure applied from within said container to open said outlet passage. The described invention. 33. A fold line located between the first flap and the container and a second fold located between the second flap and the container to enhance the pivoting movement of the first flap. 33. The article of claim 32 further comprising a line. 34. The article of claim 32, further comprising a first pad attached to a lower surface of said first flap and a second pad attached to an upper surface of said second flap. 35. The invention of claim 34, wherein each of said wall and said flap comprises a flexible foil material. 36. One of said walls of said container and said first flap, respectively,
First and second laterally spaced portions of a first sheet of flexible foil material are included, and the second wall of the pair of walls includes first and second laterally spaced portions of a second sheet of flexible foil material, respectively. The first sheet of flexible foil material is overlaid on the second sheet of flexible foil material, wherein the first and second portions of the first sheet are in contact with the first and second portions of the second sheet. 35. The article of claim 34, wherein the first portions of the first and second sheets are aligned and fused together to define a shallow cavity between the first and second sheets. 37. One of said walls of said container and said first flap, respectively,
First and second laterally spaced portions of a first sheet of flexible foil material are included, and the second wall of the pair of walls includes first and second laterally spaced portions of a second sheet of flexible foil material, respectively. The first sheet of flexible foil material is overlaid on the second sheet of flexible foil material, wherein the first and second portions of the first sheet are in contact with the first and second portions of the second sheet. 26. The invention of claim 25, wherein the first portions of the first and second sheets are aligned and fused together to define a shallow cavity between the first and second sheets. 38. The invention of claim 25, wherein one of said walls of said pair of walls has a flexible feature and another of said pair of walls has a relatively rigid feature. 39. The invention of claim 25, wherein the flap has a flexible feature. 40. The invention of claim 39, wherein said flap has a more rigid feature. 41. The article of claim 26, wherein said bladder comprises a flexible foil material. 42. The first and second flaps are folded and overlap each other, are on one of the walls of the pair of walls, extend in one direction from the end of the container, and are spaced apart from the outlet. 26. The invention of claim 25, comprising a removable adhesive tape covering a portion of said one wall and further securing said folded over flap to said one of said walls. 43. The removable adhesive tape includes an elongated rectangular strip of predetermined length and width, wherein the predetermined width is greater than any length of the flap and greater than twice the width of the wall. 43. The invention of claim 42, wherein the tape is large in length and the tape traverses the width of the wall and covers the flap and exposed portions of the wall. 44. The first and second flaps are folded and overlap each other, are on one of the walls of the pair of walls, extend in one direction from the end of the container, and are spaced apart from the outlet. 38. The invention of claim 37, including a removable adhesive tape covering a portion of said one wall and further securing said folded over flap to said one of said walls. 45. The removable adhesive tape comprises an elongated rectangular strip of predetermined length and width, wherein the predetermined width is greater than any length of the flap and greater than twice the width of the wall. 45. The invention of claim 44, wherein the tape is large in length and the tape traverses the width of the wall and covers the flap and exposed portions of the wall. 46. The apparatus of claim 46, further comprising a pair of absorbent pads associated with each flap of the first and second flaps, wherein the first pad of the pair of absorbent pads is the first pad.
47. The invention of claim 44, wherein the absorbent pad is attached to an inner surface of a flap, and a second pad of the pair of absorbent pads is attached to an inner surface of the second flap, placing the absorbent pads in a facing relationship. 47. The apparatus of claim 44, further comprising an absorbent pad attached to an inner surface of each of the first and second flaps and bridging a space therebetween, wherein the absorbent pad includes a small central opening. Invention. 48. A foil comprising a pair of substantially identically structured flexible foil sheets overlapping each other, wherein the foil sheets are permanently clamped together, while an interior area for enclosing a stretchable material and a stretchable foil. An outlet to the interior area for squeezing out the bulk material, and further defining an applicator, the applicator having a pair of wings that can be spread in an arc to spread the spreadable material over a surface. Including, packaging and applicator combination products.